Poker is a card game of chance where players bet their chips into the pot in order to win. There are countless variants of the game, but all share certain core principles.

The game starts with the ante (the amount you place in order to be dealt a hand) and then betting takes place in a clockwise fashion. When it’s your turn to act, you can say “call” to match the previous player’s bet (this is what is called calling) or “raise” in order to put more money into the pot.

Once the betting is complete, the next round of cards is revealed – the flop. This is where things can really get interesting and where the divide between break-even beginner players and big-time winners is often very narrow.

In addition to having a good starting hand, the key is to be able to read the flop and take advantage of it when you can. A flop will tell you what other players are likely holding, and can provide important information on how to play your hand. In particular, it is helpful to be able to see three-of-a-kind on the board because it can be hard for opponents to conceal this hand. Likewise, a straight is easy for other players to identify, and can be a good target for bluffing. As you play more and more, you’ll learn to use this knowledge to your advantage and develop quick instincts that can help you become a more successful poker player.